Best Stud Finder Australia 2026: 6 Researched Picks

The best stud finder for most Australians is the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M70, rated 4.4 stars from 1,391 ratings. Its seven sensors show the whole width of a stud at once with no calibration, and the listing says it detects up to 3.8 cm through plasterboard. The Fxvhojq 5 in 1 is the cheapest pick.

Which stud finder for which job

• Most homes, shelves and TV brackets: the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M70, our pick.
• Drilling near power points or switches: choose a pick whose listing states live wire detection, such as the Zircon StudSensor e30, the Zircon MultiScanner i520, the Franklin ProSensor M150 or the Bosch UniversalDetect. A wire warning is never proof a spot is safe. Both Zircons were shipped and sold by Amazon US through the Global Store at the 16 October 2026 check.
• Cheapest pick: the Fxvhojq 5 in 1, which lists studs, metal and live AC wires.
• Biggest review base: the Franklin ProSensor M150, with 4,292 ratings.
• Touchscreen with step by step guidance: the Bosch UniversalDetect.

The real choice: how the tool reads the wall

A stud finder is a handheld tool that locates the framing behind a plasterboard wall, so a screw or anchor goes into something solid. Before you compare models, understand the three ways these tools work. A multi sensor finder, like the Franklin ProSensor models, has a row of sensors that show the whole width of a stud at once: you press it flat to the wall, hold the button, and the LED display shows the stud, with the middle LED turning green at the centre and no calibration. An edge finder, like the Zircon StudSensor e30, signals at each edge of the stud and you mark the middle between the two. And a simple magnetic finder has no electronics at all; it snaps onto the screws and nails already driven into the stud.

The six picks below map onto that split and onto three extras that matter before you drill: whether the listing states live wire detection, whether it detects metal, and how deep it scans. Live wire detection is stated on the listings for the Fxvhojq, the Zircon e30 and i520, the Franklin M150 and the Bosch, and the M70 listing does not mention it. Scan depth is not like for like: the Bosch lists 25 mm for wood, 50 mm for live cables and 100 mm for metal. These are the makers' listed figures, not our tests. For the hand tool that strips wire once a job is opened up, see our guide to the best wire strippers in Australia.

How did we choose these stud finders?

We compare Amazon Australia listings, not lab results. For each of the six stud finders we read the listing title, bullets and seller line, then record the star rating, review count and stock. We do not drill into test walls, so scan depth and wire detection are the makers' listed figures, not our tests. We also read each maker's bullets and product information table, and the Bunnings stud finder category that Google lists for the head query, but we rank Amazon Australia listings only.

How the six stud finders compare

Scan depth, live wire detection and seller are the three columns that separate these six stud finders. The M70 is our pick for most homes, the M150 has the most ratings at 4,292, and the Fxvhojq is the cheapest. Ratings and counts come from the Amazon AU listings.

Last checked: 16 October 2026

Best overall: Franklin Sensors ProSensor M70

The ProSensor M70 is our best overall pick: 4.4 stars from 1,391 ratings on its Amazon AU listing, sold by Franklin Sensors Australia and shipped from Amazon. It removes the step where stud finding usually goes wrong. Instead of sliding a single sensor across and guessing where the edges sit, its seven sensors show the whole width of a stud at once, with the middle LED turning green at the centre. The listing says no calibration is required and you can start scanning anywhere, even over a stud.

One mode finds wood and metal studs, with deep detection of up to 3.8 cm through plasterboard. The honest limit is that the listing does not mention live wire detection, so check for cables separately before you drill near power points or switches. It takes two AAA batteries that are not included, and the listing says rechargeable batteries are not compatible. A heat gun sold without its battery needs a similar check, as in our best heat gun in Australia guide.

Fxvhojq 5 in 1 Stud Finder: the cheapest pick

The Fxvhojq is the cheapest pick in this guide, and it is the entry point if you just want a capable stud finder. The listing says it locates wooden and metal studs, joists, metal pipe, rebar and live AC wires behind walls, floors and ceilings. It senses changes in the density behind the wall to locate the centre of a stud, and an audio alarm sounds when it finds an object.

The LCD has a green backlight so you can read it in the dark. For hanging a few shelves or a TV bracket a year, it covers the basics. The trade offs are a small review base, 4.1 stars from 69 ratings, a listing that does not say how many sensors it uses or how deep it scans, and a third party seller, MAChang CYw, shipping from Amazon, so move slowly and confirm each reading before you drill.

Zircon StudSensor e30: edge finding with a live wire warning

The StudSensor e30 finds the edges of wood or metal studs, so you move it across the wall and mark where it signals on each side, then take the middle between the two. A SpotLite Pointer shines an arrow shaped light onto the wall to mark the target, and the listing says TruCal technology indicates when the tool is calibrated and ready.

Its edge over the M70 is WireWarning, which the listing says indicates live, unshielded electrical wiring up to 51 mm deep, a safety plus when you are drilling near power. Two caveats: it reads studs to only 19 mm, shallower than the 3.8 cm of the Franklin finders and the 38 mm of the i520, and it has 87 ratings at 4.4 stars. At the 16 October 2026 check this listing was shipped and sold by Amazon US through the Global Store, and Amazon's notice says US imports may differ from local products.

Franklin Sensors ProSensor M150: nine sensors and the biggest review base

If the seven sensor M70 sells you on seeing the whole stud at once, the M150 is the wider version: the listing says it has nine sensors, and the LED display shows the whole stud and double studs. Like the M70, it needs no calibration, lets you start scanning anywhere, even over a stud, and keeps deep scan always on, with detection of up to 3.8 cm through plasterboard.

Unlike the M70, its listing describes it as a stud finder with a live wire detector for worry free drilling, although it gives no wire depth, so treat a wire reading as a prompt to check, never proof a spot is safe. It has the biggest review base in this guide, 4,292 ratings at 4.4 stars, and it costs noticeably more than the M70. It takes two AAA batteries, not included.

Zircon MultiScanner i520: centre finding with metal and AC wire scanning

The MultiScanner i520 locates the edges and centre of wood or metal studs up to 38 mm deep, and it scans for metal and live AC wires, so one tool covers the three things you usually want to know before you drill into a wall. An easy to read LCD display, an audio tone and the SpotLite Pointing System indicate the stud centre.

The listing says WireWarning detection indicates live, unshielded electrical wiring up to 2 inches deep. The honest caveat is that you should confirm a reading with a second pass, and it has 106 ratings at 4.4 stars. At the 16 October 2026 check this listing was shipped and sold by Amazon US through the Global Store, and Amazon's notice says US imports may differ from local products.

Bosch UniversalDetect Stud and Cable Detector: the premium touchscreen

The Bosch UniversalDetect is the premium pick, for people who want a tool that guides the scan rather than just beeping. The listing gives three detection settings that detect wooden studs, live cables and metal up to 25, 50 and 100 mm respectively, a full colour touchscreen that shows results and tips, step by step instructions, and a traffic light LED around the marking hole that indicates where drilling is possible.

Its timber reach, 25 mm, is shallower than the 3.8 cm of the Franklins and the 38 mm of the i520, and the 100 mm figure applies to metal only. It is shipped and sold by Amazon AU, it costs the most of the six, and at 3.9 stars from 104 ratings it has the lowest rating here, so it suits people who scan often.

How to choose between the three types

Start with how often you will use it. If you only hang the odd shelf and want the lowest fuss, a multi sensor finder like the Franklin ProSensor M70 is easy to read, because it shows the whole stud at once and never asks you to calibrate. If you are comfortable moving a tool across the wall and confirming the edges, a Zircon finder does the job and lists a wire warning. If budget is the priority, the Fxvhojq lists studs, metal and live AC wires, and a basic magnetic finder, the simplest type, will locate fasteners for light jobs. The job that pushes most people into buying one is hanging a screen, so if that is why you are here, read it alongside our guide to TV wall mounts, which explains which brackets need two studs rather than one. Hanging a curtain rod is another common job where you want to hit a stud.

Then weigh the safety extras. If you will ever drill near a power point, a light switch or a kitchen, choose one whose listing states live wire detection: the Fxvhojq, Zircon e30, Zircon i520, Franklin M150 or Bosch UniversalDetect. The M70 listing does not mention it. Metal detection matters if your walls hide pipes, and scan depth matters on thick or double layer walls, where the Bosch lists metal to 100 mm but wood to only 25 mm.

Which wall are you scanning?

For standard plasterboard, the Franklin ProSensor finders list detection up to 3.8 cm. For double plasterboard, cement sheet, masonry or unusually deep studs, choose a deeper multi scanner and check the manual, because the M70 listing covers plasterboard only. On old plaster, test a multi sensor model carefully, as results vary by wall construction.

Whatever the wall, scan slowly in both directions, mark the stud edges, and confirm the centre with a second pass before you drill. Metal and wire modes only help where the listing states them, so match the pick to the wall: the e30 lists studs to 19 mm, the i520 to 38 mm, and the Bosch wood to 25 mm, live cables to 50 mm and metal to 100 mm.

What the key specs actually mean

Stud finder: a handheld tool that locates the timber or steel framing behind a plasterboard wall, so a screw or anchor goes into something solid.

Multi sensor finder: a finder with a row of sensors, such as the seven on the ProSensor M70 and the nine on the M150, that shows the whole width of a stud at once. Franklin's listing says conventional finders have 1 or 2 sensors, and the Franklin finders need no calibration, so you can start scanning anywhere.

Scan depth: how far behind the surface the maker says the tool reads. The listings give 19 mm for the Zircon e30, 3.8 cm for the M70 and M150, 38 mm for the i520 and, for the Bosch, 25 mm for wood, 50 mm for live cables and 100 mm for metal. They are not the same material, so compare like for like.

Live wire (AC) detection: a mode or warning that flags live, unshielded electrical wiring. The listings state it for the Fxvhojq, the Zircon e30 and i520, the Franklin M150 and the Bosch, and the M70 listing does not mention it. The e30 lists a warning to 51 mm, the i520 to 2 inches and the Bosch live cables to 50 mm. A warning is a prompt to check, never proof a drilling spot is safe.

Calibration: setting a scanner to the wall before it reads. The e30 listing says its TruCal technology indicates when the tool is calibrated and ready, while the M70 and M150 listings say no calibration is required.

Magnetic stud finder: a finder with no electronics that snaps onto the screws or nails in the stud, so it finds fasteners, not the stud width. The M70 listing describes magnetic stud finders as ones that only find screws.

Global Store: Amazon's notice on a listing that says US imports may differ from local products. The Zircon e30 and i520 carried it at the 16 October 2026 check.

Read those together and any stud finder's listing starts to make sense. Once you have marked the timber, the fixing does the rest of the work, and our shelf bracket guide covers the load ratings that follow from a solid stud fixing. For setting out a straight run of holes across a wall, a laser measure is the companion tool, and a laser level marks the level line before you drill. If you are kitting out a toolkit, it pairs naturally with our cordless drill guide for the holes you mark.

Where to buy a stud finder in Australia

Bunnings, Total Tools and Sydney Tools commonly stock stud finders, and Bunnings has a stud finder category. Every pick in this guide links to its Amazon Australia listing, where we check the seller, rating and review count. If you buy in a store, compare the same specs: sensor count, scan depth in millimetres and live wire detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best stud finder in Australia?

The best stud finder for most Australians is the Franklin Sensors ProSensor M70, rated 4.4 stars from 1,391 ratings on Amazon AU. Its seven sensors show the full width of a stud at once, it needs no calibration, and its listing says it detects up to 3.8 cm through plasterboard. Choose the Bosch UniversalDetect if you want a touchscreen.

Is a multi sensor stud finder better than an edge finder?

A multi sensor finder is easier. The Franklin ProSensor M70 shows the whole width of a stud at once and needs no calibration, so you can start scanning anywhere. Franklin's listing says conventional finders have 1 or 2 sensors, so you mark each edge yourself. Choose the Zircon e30 if a live wire warning matters more.

Do I need a stud finder with live wire detection?

If you will drill near a power point, a light switch or a kitchen, choose one whose listing states live wire detection. The Fxvhojq, Zircon e30, Zircon i520, Franklin M150 and Bosch UniversalDetect all list it, while the M70 listing does not mention it. A wire warning is a prompt to check, never proof the spot is safe.

Are magnetic stud finders reliable?

Yes, for simple jobs. A magnetic stud finder has no electronics and no battery. It snaps onto the screws or nails already in the stud, so it finds fasteners, not the stud width, and it cannot detect live wires. It only works where fasteners sit in the stud, so use an electronic finder for heavier jobs.

How deep can a stud finder scan?

It depends on the model. The Zircon e30 lists studs to 19 mm, the Franklin M70 and M150 list 3.8 cm, the Zircon i520 lists 38 mm, and the Bosch UniversalDetect lists 25 mm for wood, 50 mm for live cables and 100 mm for metal. The M70 listing covers plasterboard only, so check the manual for other walls.

Why does my stud finder give false readings?

Starting a scan over a stud is a common cause with conventional scanners, which is why Franklin's listing says the M70 lets you start scanning anywhere. Wall construction also changes results, especially old plaster. Scan slowly in both directions, mark the stud edges, and confirm the centre with a second pass before you drill.

How do you check a stud finder reading is right?

Scan from both sides and mark each edge; the centre should sit halfway between the marks. Then scan along the wall for the next stud and check the gap looks consistent with the first. Where the fixing will be hidden, drill a small pilot hole to confirm timber. Never treat a wire warning as proof the spot is safe.

What device can detect pipes and wires in walls?

The Fxvhojq 5 in 1 lists metal pipe, rebar and live AC wires, the Zircon i520 scans for metal and live AC wires, and the Bosch UniversalDetect finds live cables to 50 mm and metal to 100 mm. The Zircon e30 and Franklin M150 list live wire detection. No stud finder is a guarantee.

How do you use a stud finder?

Start with fresh batteries and a clear patch of wall. With the Franklin M70 or M150, press and hold the button, start anywhere and read the LED display, where the middle LED turns green at the stud centre. With an edge finder, move it sideways, mark each signal, then scan again from the other direction to confirm.

What can I use instead of a stud finder?

The simplest substitute is a magnetic stud finder, which has no battery and snaps onto the screws or nails already in the stud. Without one, tap along the wall and listen for a duller sound, and look for lines of screw or nail heads along skirting boards. Confirm with a small pilot hole in a hidden spot.

What is the easiest way to find studs in a wall?

The easiest is a multi sensor finder such as the Franklin ProSensor M70. Press and hold the button, start scanning anywhere, and the LED display shows the whole stud, with the middle LED turning green at the centre. It needs no calibration and detects up to 3.8 cm through plasterboard. Two AAA batteries are required but not included.

Can I use my phone as a stud finder?

We have not tested phone apps, so we do not recommend relying on one before you drill. Use a dedicated finder from this guide, or a magnetic finder that snaps onto the screws and nails in the stud. Confirm any reading with a second pass, especially before drilling near power points or pipes.

What is a stud finder and how does it work?

A stud finder locates the framing behind a plasterboard wall so your fixing goes into solid timber or steel. A multi sensor face such as the ProSensor M70 shows the whole stud width at once, an edge finder signals at each edge, and a magnetic finder has no electronics and snaps onto screws or nails.

How much does a stud finder cost in Australia?

The six picks here fall into three bands. Under $40 buys the Fxvhojq 5 in 1. Under $100 covers the Franklin M70, Zircon e30, Zircon i520 and Franklin M150. Under $150 covers the Bosch UniversalDetect. Prices can change, so check the Amazon AU listing before you buy, and weigh the seller and shipping notes on each card.

Where can you buy a stud finder in Australia?

Bunnings, Total Tools and Sydney Tools commonly stock stud finders, and Bunnings has a stud finder category. Every pick in this guide links to its Amazon Australia listing, where we check the seller, rating and review count. Two Zircon picks were shipped and sold by Amazon US through the Global Store at the 16 October 2026 check.